Wexford Stables couldn’t get what appeared to be their two leading chances in the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) to the starting gates, but it appears they won’t be without a chance of retaining their title at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman will be represented by a trio of Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) contenders at Ellerslie this weekend with White Noise (NZ) (El Roca) given the nod as their top seed.

With 51 Group One wins to his credit, nine of them with wife Debbie, evergreen trainer Graeme Rogerson has no intention of settling for an easier life.

Kiwis returning to New Zealand from Australia will not need to isolate upon arrival from 11.59pm on Wednesday, while NZ returnees from the rest of the world will also be able to come home without isolating from late Friday.

Hastings trainers Guy Lowry and Grant Cullen are hoping to snare top honours in the Gr.2 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2100m) at their home track on Wednesday with Love Letter (NZ) (Wrote).

While many people around the country were easing into a pleasant Sunday morning with coffee and some quiet contemplation on the week that was, Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis was hard at work putting the finishing touches on his preparation for the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales which commence at Karaka on March 7.

Matamata trainer Graham Richardson wasn’t expecting too much when he sat down to watch his pride and joy Defibrillate (NZ) (Shocking) kick off his autumn campaign at Caulfield on Saturday

Apprentice jockey Wiremu Pinn was back at work on Sunday in his boss Daniel Miller’s Matamata stable less than 24 hours after securing his biggest success in the saddle aboard Mascarpone (NZ) (Shooting To Win) in the Gr.1 El Cheapo Cars WFA Classic (1600m) at Otaki.

Local runner Alabama Gold broke his maiden status in emphatic fashion when he led from go to whoa to take out the Gr.3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m) at Matamata on Saturday.

Consistent performer Mascarpone capped a frustrating run of five consecutive placings to claim his first victory at the highest level when he took out the Gr.1 El Cheapo Cars WFA Classic (1600m) at Otaki.

Classy juvenile filly Maven Belle made it three wins from three starts when she swept to a clearcut victory in the feature race at Matamata on Saturday, the Gr.2 J Swap Contractors Ltd Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m).

Val Di Zoldo (NZ) (War Decree) has two runner-up results next to her name and her Matamata trainers Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer are hoping she can go one better on her home track this Saturday.

Underrated stayer Langkawi came off the ballot and into the winners’ enclosure at Matamata on Saturday when he produced a determined finish to claim the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m).

New Zealand’s elite thoroughbred yearling crop will head to a physical auction at the iconic Karaka Sales Centre from 7 to 12 March and travel restrictions pose no boundaries, with yearlings in both Book 1 and Book 2 catalogues available to purchase via New Zealand Bloodstock’s online bidding platform.

The in-form Stephen Marsh stable ventures to Matamata on Saturday with six strong runners, including a two-pronged attack in the Gr.3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m) headed by favourite Andalus ($2.70) and debutant Night Raider ($26). 

Valachi Downs stallion Savile Row made the perfect start to his career as a sire when his daughter Perfectly Suited scored on debut at Wanganui on Thursday.

Last Saturday’s Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m) winner Hinepara has been ruled out of the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) on March 13 at Ellerslie.

It has been a good few days for promising Windsor Park Stud stallion Turn Me Loose, whose three-year-old daughters Helluvah Return and Mazzini both broke maiden ranks at Wanganui on Thursday.

Group Two targets on both sides of the Tasman will command Hastings trainer John Bary’s focus on Saturday afternoon.

Southland trainer Lisa Vaughan is on the lookout for black type success for Asathought (So You Think) after the well-related mare won the Baillie & Lewis Pharmacy Invercargill Gold Cup (2600m) on Saturday.

Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride of Dubai) made a belated start to his racing career earlier this month and the wait proved worthwhile at Ruakaka where the colt was an impressive winner.

Andrew Carston believes Hasabro (NZ) (Savabeel) deserves a crack at elite level and he will get his chance when he heads to Otaki on Saturday to line-up in the Gr.1 El Cheapo Cars WFA Group One Classic (1600m).

Improved track conditions on Saturday will greatly enhance the prospects of talented mare Showoroses at Matamata where she will bid to bounce back from a last-start failure to set her back on a Group One path.

Sword Of State put in a pleasing final hit-out at Pukekohe on Wednesday ahead of his next assignment, the Gr.3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday-week.

Mark Jones is fast becoming a galloping convert.

The highly regarded harness racing trainer and 2003 world champion reinsman racked up the third winner of his career as a gallops trainer when Phelan The Power triumphed on a heavy track at Riccarton earlier this month.

Cambridge trainer Lauren Brennan is looking forward to dodging top sprinting mares Levante and Entriviere as she attacks the Gr.1 El Cheapo Cars WFA Group One Classic (1600m) at Otaki on Saturday with Packing Rockstar and Vigor Winner.

It was a case of third time’s a charm for Miss Ella when she was a convincing winner of the Listed Grangewilliam Stud “Derryn” Oaks Prelude (1600m) at Pukekohe on Wednesday.

The irony has not been lost on the connections of La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos) with her imminent reunion with jockey Vinnie Colgan.

Jamie Richards will be attacking this weekend’s main events in equal measures of quality and quantity with a trio chasing top-flight honours at Otaki and three youngsters lined up for the Matamata conditioner’s home track juvenile feature.

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike has changed tack with Group Two winner Field Of Gold (Starspangledbanner) following his fifth place finish in Saturday’s Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) won by impressive filly La Crique.

Talented filly Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy) put a big smile on the face of co-trainer Graham Richardson after she returned to winning form with a comprehensive victory over 1200m at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Just as pundits were set to talk of the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on March 5 as a one-horse race following La Crique’s (NZ) (Vadamos) dominant victory in the Gr.2 AJC Avondale Guineas (2100m), late-bloomer Pinarello (NZ) (Tavistock) added another layer to the million dollar feature.

A gritty victory by two-year-old filly Lickety Split (NZ) at her first raceday start at Ellerslie has given her sire Turn Me Loose a timely boost ahead of the upcoming New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka.

Mark Walker is enjoying the fresh air, green pastures and wide-open spaces in Matamata as he prepares for a return to training duties in New Zealand following an extensive stint in Singapore.

Local trainer Sally McKay got the win she has long desired when progressive three-year-old Palmetto (NZ) (Ghibellines) proved to good for his rivals as he strode clear to take out the Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (1600m) at Invercargill.

Ashvin Goindasamy loves upsetting in big races at Ellerslie and he did it again on Saturday when guiding Levin visitor Hinepara (NZ) (Darci Brahma) to victory in the Gr.2 Wallen Concreting Avondale Cup

If there were any doubts about exciting three-year-old filly La Crique’s (NZ) (Vadamos) claims as a contender for top honours in next month’s Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m), they were well and truly quelled as she decimated her rivals when winning the Gr.2 AJC Avondale Guineas (2100m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Ruakaka trainer Kenny Rae has welcomed the announcement of the 2022 ITM/GIB Northern Region Winter Championships.

The Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) has been postponed for a second time after the abandonment of Taranaki’s meeting at New Plymouth on Friday, with the track deemed unfit for racing before a race was conducted. 

Exciting four-year-old Bankers Choice (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) will do his future racing from the Melbourne stable of Michael Moroney after clients have secured a majority interest in the talented galloper.

Friday is something of a D-day for three of Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) contenders.

Two bargain buys will represent Southland trainers Kelvin and Aimee Tyler in the richest three-year-old race in their region on Saturday.

Three-year-old filly Third Time Round (NZ) has yet to break maiden ranks from six starts, but the Chrissy Bambry-trained daughter of Tivaci shapes as a strong contender in Friday’s Listed Grangewilliam Stud “Derryn” Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth.

Concert Hall’s (NZ) (Savabeel) standing will force her to concede significant amounts of weight to her opposition in Saturday’s Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m), but connections believe it is the best means to an end for their quality mare.

Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott are leaning towards Ellerslie as the starting point for the career of their juvenile Jaffira (NZ) (Iffraaj).

Multiple Group One winner Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) has been retired.

A$5 million All-Star Mile contender Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) will resume in the Listed Elms Handicap (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday, where he will take on a strong field that includes 105 top-rater Elephant.  

Smart sprinter Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ) (Per Incanto) will take aim at Group One assignments in Australia and will transfer to Michael Moroney’s Flemington barn later this month.

Trelawney Stud have tragically lost their Group Two winner Pareanui Bay (NZ) (Lonhro) after a paddock accident.

Promising filly Verona (NZ) (Belardo) has run her last race in New Zealand with her sale to Australia.

Last year Wexford Stables celebrated their first win in the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) with Rocket Spade (Fastnet Rock), but this year they are ruing what could have been.

Trainer Ben Foote was pleased to see his speedy mare Babylon Berlin (All Too Hard) show her usual zip when winning an 850m trial at Te Rapa on Monday.

Four-time New Zealand Jockeys’ Premiership winner Lisa Allpress is poised to return to the saddle this week following an enforced spell on the side-line.

The gathering to celebrate the life of Hall of Fame trainer Laurie Laxon, scheduled for February 24 at Karapiro, has been postponed.

Tony Pike’s two big hopes for New Zealand’s premier three-year-old classic will clash for the second time in the Gr.2 AJC Avondale Guineas (2100m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Group One winning mare Entriviere (NZ) (Tavistock) is likely to have a short break after finishing runner-up to fellow high-class mare Levante (NZ) (Proisir) in Saturday’s Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa.

The long trip home to New Plymouth from Hamilton on Saturday evening flew by for trainer Robbie Patterson as he reflected on what had happened just a few hours earlier at Te Rapa.

Trainer Ken Kelso is content to sit back and savour the thrill of winning a second consecutive Group One with star mare Levante (NZ), before any decisions on her immediate future are made.

John O’Shea will chase Group One glory in Sydney rather than head to Melbourne with Lost And Running (NZ) (Per Incanto), following his win in Saturday’s Gr.3 Southern Cross Stakes (1200m).

As preparations ramp up for the 2022 edition of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales at Karaka in March, Curraghmore principal Gordon Cunningham was once again celebrating the success of a past graduate of his Te Awamutu-based operation.

Giant filly Self Obsession (NZ) (Shocking) showed she has a heart to match her imposing frame when she triumphed in a torrid finish to the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa.

Despite the limited crowd on course due to COVID protocols, there were still plenty of joyous scenes in the Te Rapa grandstand as the connections of outstanding racemare Levante (NZ) (Proisir) celebrated her second consecutive Group One win with victory in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m).

An emotional Robbie Patterson was holding back the tears as he reflected on one of the biggest thrills of his life that had occurred just minutes earlier at Te Rapa.

Race favourite Maven Belle (NZ) (Burgundy) showed she has a touch of class about her as she eased clear in the final 100m to take out the Gr.3 Platinum Homes 2YO Classic (1200m) at Te Rapa.

Trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman are hoping The Chosen One can put an end to his unflattering second-up record when he lines-up in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Hypnos’ victory in the Gr.3 Powerworx Taranaki Cup (2000m) at Awapuni on Friday proved to be a sentimental one for co-trainer Roger James.

Riding legend Chris Johnson provided racing fans with another magic moment when he claimed his 2500th New Zealand winner at Invercargill on Thursday.

Taranaki mare Sinarahma (NZ) (Darci Brahma) showed her brilliance when capturing the Listed Property Brokers Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Hastings on Thursday.

A return to his favourite track, a proven ability to mix it at the top level and an impressive lead-up trial all point to another bold showing from quality sprinter Mascarpone (NZ) (Shooting To Win) on Saturday.

Wannabe ‘N’ Paris (NZ) (Reliable Man), a contender for Saturday’s C S Stevens Memorial Banks Peninsula Cup (1800m) at Riccarton, might just not want to be at Trentham.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has appointed Bruce Sharrock as its next chief executive.

Johno Benner is happy to see some easing in the track at Hastings for his underrated mare Victorem (NZ) (Shooting To Win) for the Listed Property Brokers Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) on Thursday.

Accomplished Taranaki stayer Beaudz Well (NZ) (Zed) returns to action on Friday to kick off a long-term plan to hopefully conclude unfinished business in Australia in the autumn for trainer John Wheeler.

Woodlands trainer Robert Dennis is hoping a wind operation has put The Gift’s (NZ) (Power) racing career back on track.

Nearly four years of challenges, toil and determination had their reward for Invercargill horsewoman Sally McKay when Palmetto won the Listed Positive Signs Dunedin Guineas (1500m) at Wingatui last Saturday.

Graham Richardson says Tiptronic (NZ) (O’Reilly) is as good as ever heading into one of his favourite races, the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.

The country’s leading stable has strong chances in three of the four stakes races at the premier meeting, including a couple of Group Two winners in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic

A comprehensive victory aboard Hasabro (NZ) (Savabeel) in Saturday’s feature event at Wingatui, the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge (1600m) came at just the right time for jockey Jacob Lowry.

Class two-year-old filly Wolverine (NZ) (Tivaci) will head back to Roydon Bergerson’s Awapuni stable on Tuesday as she prepares for a tilt at the Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) on her home turf on April 2.

Impressive three-year-old filly La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos) has had her immediate future confirmed as she gets set to tackle the boys at Ellerslie in both the Gr.2 AJC Avondale Guineas (2100m) followed by the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m).

Inclement weather across the country has forced the abandonment of two further racemeetings with both the Tauranga meeting on Sunday and the Tauherenikau meeting scheduled for Monday called off without a race being run.

After more than three years as a star of the South Island’s country cups, under-rated stayer Kilowatt stepped up to stakes class for a career-best victory in Saturday’s Listed Alleviate Administration Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) at Wingatui.

Saturday got off to a disappointing start for Go Racing, but a six-year-old in the form of his life turned things around with a brilliant performance in the Gr. 3 White Robe Lodge (1600m) at Wingatui.

A nasty slip on the home turn that saw rider Bridget Grylls part company with her mount Madam Sass has resulted in the abandonment of racing at New Plymouth on Saturday after just one race.

Underrated three-year-old Palmetto defied a betting drift to claim the Listed Positive Signs Dunedin Guineas (1500m) at Wingatui with a swooping late run that carried him to a comfortable two length victory.

Progressive three-year-old Pinarello has suffered a minor setback on his road to the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and connections have their fingers crossed he will be firmly back on track after Saturday.

Southland trainer Robert Dennis fluctuates in his description of talented staying mare Savezar (NZ) (Savabeel) but always within the range of “quirky” and “mad”.

New Zealand-bred Running Glory (NZ), a son of Kermadec, sealed a treble for trainer John Size at Sha Tin on Thursday, giving him a 44-42 lead over Frankie Lor after 42 of 88 scheduled meetings.

The David Hall-trained Flying Ace (NZ) (Swiss Ace) remained unbeaten after three starts with victory in the Class 3 Great Profits Handicap (1200m) under Matthew Poon at Sha Tin on Thursday.

The Group One focus for talented Taranaki three-year-old Shamus (NZ) (Shamexpress) has shifted to a shorter challenge in the wake of his first defeat at Te Rapa.

Wingatui trainers Brian and Shane Anderton might have five chances in Saturday’s ODT Southern Mile Qualifier (1600m) on their home track but their best chance of winning the series final could be lining up in the day’s feature.

When Murray Baker confided to a few friends last spring that he was planning to retire from training after the Sydney autumn carnival, most of us gave it little thought … most of us had heard the “I think I’ll give it away soon” talk before.

Lessons learned from one of Australasia’s premier horsemen will stand Andrew Forsman in good stead for the next phase of his thoroughbred career.

Gingerbread’s (NZ) emergence against the older horses this preparation may cause a rethink of future plans for the promising daughter of Vanbrugh.

Top-class sprinter Mascarpone (NZ) (Shooting to Win) again showed his affinity for Te Rapa on Wednesday when comfortably winning his 1000m trial.

Fresh from two victories at Trentham, Matamata trainer Peter McKay is hoping for another lucrative raid on a Central Districts track on Saturday.

Promising three-year-old Ess Vee Are (NZ) (Shocking) has entered Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) calculations after his win in the Dunstan Horsefeeds 2100 at Te Rapa on Wednesday.

Strapping chestnut Field Of Gold (Starspangledbanner) is aiming to emulate his older half-brother Sherwood Forest (Fastnet Rock) by winning the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) next month.